The Darwin VAAC reported that on 25 March an ash plume from Kerinci rose to 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW based on information from PVMBG. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

There were more than 6,000 earthquakes recorded beneath the Reykjanes peninsula as of 26 March, making this period of unrest the largest seismic crisis ever recorded in this part of the country since digital monitoring started in 1991, according to IMO. The seismicity occurred across three main volcanic systems: Eldey, Reykjanes-Svartsengi, and Krýsuvík. Uplift continued to be detected in the Thorbjorn area totaling about 70-80 mm; the deformation rate was lower than in January and February. Deformation modeling suggested that recent inflation was caused by a second magmatic intrusion at a depth of 3-4 km in an area W of Thorbjorn, close to the intrusion that occurred at the beginning of the year. GPS data suggested a small deformation pattern detectable over a regional area, far beyond the Thorbjorn area.

Source: Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO)

PVMBG reported that during 23-29 March white plumes rose 100 m above Semeru’s summit. Incandescent material was ejected 20 m above the Jonggring-Seloko Crater. Incandescent material from the ends of lava flows descended 200-500 m, reaching a maximum distance of 750 m from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded to stay outside of the general 1-km radius from the summit and 4 km on the SSE flank.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

JMA reported that during 23-30 March incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible nightly. Twelve eruptive events were recorded along with three explosions during 23-27 March. An eruption at 1041 on 27 March produced an ash plume that rose 1.8 km above the crater rim and ejcted material 800-1,100 m away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 25-31 March ash plumes from Dukono rose to 1.8-2.3 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 24-25 March that sent ash plumes up to 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted NE and W. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

PVMBG reported that at 1730 on 26 March, at 0642 on 28 March, and at 0855 on 29 March gray ash plumes rose 600 m above Ibu’s summit and drifted W and N. The Darwin VAAC stated that on 30 March an ash plume rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE based on satellite images and weather models. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.

Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

PVMBG reported that during 23-29 March lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S), traveling as far as 1.8 km down the Nanitu, Pangi, and Sense drainages on the SW and W flanks. Sometimes dense white plumes rose up to 75 m above the summit; foggy weather occasionally prevented observations. Incandescence from both summit craters was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

KVERT reported that Strombolian activity at Klyuchevskoy was visible during 20-27 March, and a bright thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images those same days. Vulcanian activity was visible on 20 and 25 March; ash plumes drifted as far as 180 km E and NE at altitudes of 5.5-6 km (18,000-19,700 ft) a.s.l. on those same days. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

BPPTKG reported that beginning at 1056 on 27 March a seven-minute-long eruption at Merapi produced an ash plume that rose 5 km above the crater rim and pyroclastic flows that descended the SSE flank as far as 2 km. The ash plume drifted mainly SW and caused ashfall within 20 km, particularly in areas to the W and including the Mungkid subdistrict and in Banyubiru Village. The report noted that there were no clear precursors for the eruption. Eruptions at 2146 on 27 March and at 0521 the next day generated ash plumes that rose 1 km and 2 km, respectively. Each lasted about 2 minutes and 40 seconds based on the seismic data. Minor ashfall was noted in areas within 5 km, especially to the W, including Krinjing subdistrict. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to stay outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Source: Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG)

The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 25 and 29-31 March ash plumes from Nevados de Chillán rose to altitudes of 3.7-5.5 km (12,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

SNET stated that during 30-31 March the seismic network at San Miguel recorded a period of increased seismicity characterized by continuous, low-frequency, tremor-type signals. RSAM values were between 90 and 116 units, lower than the normal values of 150, at a seismic station located on the upper N flank.

Source: Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET)

AVO reported that seismicity at Semisopochnoi remained elevated during 25-31 March and no surface activity was observed on most days, though weather clouds often prevented visual confirmation. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 20-27 March. A gas-and-steam plume containing some ash drifted 45 km N on 25 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

AVO reported elevated seismicity at Shishaldin during 25-31 March characterized by continuous low-level tremor. Steam-and-gas plumes rising from the summit crater were occasionally recorded by the webcam and identified in satellite images. Weakly- to- moderately elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 29-30 March. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

INGV reported that during 23-29 March activity at Stromboli was characterized by ongoing explosive activity mainly from three vents in Area N (north crater area) and at least three vents in Area C-S (south-central crater area). Lava effused from the northern-most vent located on the edge of Area N for about four hours, beginning at 1856 on 28 March, and traveled down the Sciara del Fuoco all the way to the coast. Variable-intensity explosions from Area N occurred at a rate of 8-13 events per hour and ejected lapilli and bombs 80-150 m above the vents. Ejected tephra fell onto the flanks and some blocks rolled down the Sciara del Fuoco to the coast. Explosions from Area C-S occurred at a rate of 6-10 events per hour and ejected coarse material mixed with ash to heights less than 150 m above the vents.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

JMA reported that during 19-27 March incandescence from Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly. One explosion was recorded on 23 March and eruptive events were detected during 23-24 March; ringing sounds were noted in a village 4 km SSW. Gray-white plumes rose 700 m above the crater rim on 24 March. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

On 27 March the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that activity at Yasur continued to be elevated with ongoing ash and/or gas emissions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-4). VMGD reminded residents and tourists that hazardous areas were near and around the volcanic crater, within a 395-m-radius permanent exclusion zone, and that volcanic ash and gas could reach areas impacted by trade winds.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)